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Police, public works outline traffic‑calming steps and plan to apply for state traffic‑safety grant
Summary
Officials described temporary and planned traffic‑calming measures around schools and other hot spots and said the city will seek a Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant to fund increased enforcement hours and overtime.
Acting Police Chief Mike Bailey and Public Works Director Hamlin briefed the Public Safety Committee on stepped‑up enforcement and low‑cost traffic‑calming measures intended to reduce speeding near schools and busy neighborhood corridors.
“ We've addressed some of it with some temporary fixes … such as the temporary rumble strips,” Director Hamlin said, describing rumble strips and enhanced signage as a “good first start” that is low cost and not overly distracting to drivers. He said additional physical measures could include bumpouts and other visual cues to reduce sight lines and slow traffic.
Chief Bailey told the committee the department plans to seek funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to offset overtime and some regular hours devoted to enforcement, including “click it or ticket, DUI enforcement, or other speed issues throughout the city.” Bailey said the department will continue targeted enforcement near three schools in the Ridge area when school resumes and that activated school‑zone signals had helped reduce speeds.
Council Member Cotton asked whether educational programs could complement enforcement. Bailey said there appeared to be no coordinated regional curriculum for motorized device education but that staff would continue to consult the prosecutor’s office and other agencies about diversion or educational options.
The committee discussed signage tests and the use of temporary rumble strips in Meadowbrook and other locations; Bailey said one resident had complained the department was doing “too much” enforcement, and he replied that he would continue targeted patrols until the issues were resolved. Director Hamlin said staff could pursue progressive measures if initial, low‑cost fixes proved insufficient.
Ending: Staff will pursue the Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant and continue coordination between police and public works on targeted, progressively stronger traffic‑calming measures in known hot spots.
